Winter Classic

It was about 7am by the time I finally crashed after a very exciting New Years Eve. I happen to have lost my alarm and not having any logic at that time I didn't try to find it. So I left my tv on (Twilight Zone Marathon - woot!) in hopes that it would somehow wake me up before 1. Of course, due to my "exciting" night I woke up numerous times dry heaving and regretting all of the appetizers my lil' stomach could handle. I was kind of worried I'd end up waking up at 3 in the afternoon.



BUT no... I woke up at exactly 12:49.



I crawled out of bed still aching and groggy, but excited that I hadn't missed what I've been waiting for. I threw on some shorts and my Lemieux jersey (I think it was dirty), got a cup of Apple Strudel coffee, and flipped on NBC.



I must admit that I like Buffalo - it reminds me of a larger version of my hometown. I know the fans are dedicated, especially up in Niagara area where I made a mistake once by wearing my Pens gear. So, put that together with the most gorgeous, intelligent, highly exciting fans in the NHL (Admit it Flyers fans) and you know that this Classic is really going to be classic. Or at least electric... boogy woogy woogy!



The players came out looking retro as ever (still loving Sabu's get up!). The Canadian Anthem and America the beautiful were sung before the game started. That Irish man looked like someone I know.


First Period

• The game started and faster then I could cover myself with my blanket the Penguins scored. With an assist from Crosby - Army shot it in.


• The ice had to be kept up with throughout the period due to the conditions. We can't afford another injury so commercial breaks are worth it.


• An interesting one with Sabres goalie Ryan Miller came on - a "yo' momma" contest. It should have been a dance off with the pads on. It might just be me but my day would be made if a goalie just broke it down in his crease... shh I'm tired.


• Penguins had three power play opportunities and Buffalo just one. No goals on any.


• Pens 1-0

Second Period

• Buffalo's Brian Campbell scores with over a minute into the period. (Connolly, Paille assists)


• No penalties = slightly snooze fest of a period.


• Even though I figured I'd regret it I went to get something to eat.


• Still tied 1-1.

Third Period

• With some nice saves from Conklin (and the goal posts) throughout the game makes me think he's not too bad. His confidence was defiantly visible through all the flurries today.


• Sabres had a few close calls that could have finished the game.


• Colby got called for hooking right before overtime, making it a 3 on 4.

Overtime

• Somewhat nail biting on the 3 on 4.


• Colby comes out.


• 4 on 4 - no scoring


• SHOOTOUT!

Shootout

• Buffalo Kotalik went first against Conklin. Goal. 0-1
• Christensen went wide on Miller. 0-1
• Connolly was denied. 0-1
• Letang got one in on Miller, of course. Shootout God. 1-1
• Afinogenov was denied. 1-1
• Crosby won it. 2-1

The celebration was nice - Sid with his usual face was joined by the guys who swarmed together for more then just body heat. A great ending!

Other notes about the game

• Mario stole my pea coat.
• I want to steal the coach's jacket from Buffalo.
• SHOE FIGHT!!!

So, a Classic Victory. I can deal with the sound of that...

Countdown 2007

With the help of a dear friend here is the "best of" 2007 in the world of hockey. I must warn you it is not for the un-random hearted. Enjoy.

My Top 5 Pens Moments This Season

#5 - Malkin spoke English (not pleased about the Steeler thing...)

#4 - Kris Letang at shootouts

#3 - Sweeping Western Canada

#2 - Crosby's Gordie Howe hat trick

#1 - The Winter Classic! (hopefully!)

Top 5 Pictures of the Year

#5 - Sidney and Mario sock puppets

#4 - Sidney Crosby as the flower girl

#3 - Not Sure What To Call This...

#2 - Evgeni's Tan Line

(Credits to Empty Netters for finding this gem awhile ago - after months in my files I finally get a chance to use it)

#1 - The most disturbing picture I have ever laid eyes on...

Top 5 Things That Won't Change in 2008

#5 - Daniel Briere will still be a 14 year old.

#4 - Bob Errey will still be praising Jordan Staals, "long stick"

#3 - Brooks Orpik will still creep me out by looking like an old classmate of mine.

#2 - Martin Brodeur will forever be the Charmin Bear.

#1 - Sidney Crosby will still look like he's giving child birth in "on-ice" pictures.

"Why did you do this to me!?"

Top 3 Insults of 2007

#3 - Well... we all know the Colby joke. It was brought up numerous times amongst friends this year.

#2 - After being compared to a Seal... This picture claims to be Mario skinny dipping in the Allegheny River.

#1 - Sidney Crosby being called a "Pecker Whistle". It was a complete "WTF" comment from my anti-crosby (boo!) friend that has now become a classic and her permanent nickname.

Pecker Whistle... oh man.

Well, I hope yinz have a SAFE, happy, and a great new year! Remember don't drink and drive... or we'll send Sean Avery and Chris Simon to your house for 3 months!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

I hope you all have a great holiday full of laughter and cheer! May all of your Christmas wishes come true (like wishing Sidney Crosby will show up at your door with a dozen white roses)!

Also want to wish my Canadian friends a Happy Boxing Day!

Take care and be safe,

"JENO"

Quick Update

Thanks to everyone wishing me well - I really appreciate it! It's feeling a heck of a lot better now... just done some last minute Christmas wrapping again.

Working on a "Top 10" random list of weird things about the NHL pointed out by a friend and I. It probably won't make sense seeing that we enjoy pointing out and saying weird things at 4 am, we never make sense, and well we're just ... odd.

So, thanks again for your kind words! Hope you're all well and enjoying a lovely Holiday Season!

Oh, and to make things even with my friend because I tortured her last night here.....

Man, this is only staying up for 5 days I swear. Haha!

And yes I am die-hard Pirates fan wearing a Boston hat. At least Ryan Whitney will be happy...

Slight Delay On My Part...

Well, I decided to go skating today. Three main highlights:

1.) The ice was bad.
2.) Breaking in new Easton's.
3.) I hurt myself.

I hit a bad spot and went flying, landing on my wrist and boo-tay. I didn't cry! Although I felt like I was body checked by Big Georges! And seeing that I'm "fragile betty" I went to the ER to get checked. Turns out the wrist is not broken, but it's a pretty bad sprain...

So, I will be keeping it easy on my hockey blogging. Only coming to update you with some painkillers in my system. Sorry to the few friends who actually read this - I love yinz!

Time to rest, ice, rest, ice, wear this SEXY huge wrist brace, rest, etc.

It's all good though - I can relax and read the genius hockey bloggers over at Empty Netters (don't sprain your wrist guys - you'll leave me and many Pens fans thirsty for news).


Take Care and Happy Holidays!

Meg

Pens vs Islanders

Pens travel to the land of Hilary Duff's boyfriend.

First Period:

• Seriously, are they blasting Fall Out Boy? Sugar, YOU'RE going down. Lame...
• Sabu in the net.
• Crosby finally scores after his on going attempts lately (Kennedy assist). Pens up 1-0
• Paul Steigerwald accidentally says Satan was with the Devils due to his last name. I must say I am SO completely jealous of Satan. His Slovakian last name is 666% more awesome than mine. Oh well, he's Slovak - gotta love my people.
• Ryan Whitney scores with a wrist shot (Orpik, Kennedy assist). Pens 2-0
• Conner James was brought up from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
• Gary Roberts without a care that he is smaller in size (FSN got that point out) than NYI's Andy Sutton got at it.

End of 1st Pens 2-0

1st Intermission:

• A video was shown of Rob Scuderi who grew up on the Island. He also likes Spider-man more than batman.

Second Period:

• I fell asleep again... I can't help it I was exhausted.
• I heard a horn blaring and seeing that semi trucks can't go up my street - Islanders scored. PPG Park (Guerin, Duff's Main Squeeze assists) 2-1
• Crosby drew yet another penalty. I believe it was his 37th?
• Vasicek scored for Islanders (Satan, Bergenheim assists) 2-2
• Beautiful assist by Staal lets Tyler Kennedy bank one in (Letang also assisted) Pens go up 3-2

Third Period:

• No scoring, no scoring, no scoring...
• Chris Simon the most kind, loving, team player you'd ever meet (just ask Ryan Hollweg) decided to be generous this Christmas season by stomping on Jarkko Ruutu's leg. Friggin' idiot.
• Islanders kill the 5 minute penalty - no scoring. Pens win it 3-2

Other Penguins Stuff:

• I watched Inside Penguins Hockey while wrapping the last of the Christmas presents (thank gawd I am the WORST Christmas wrapper next to Gus on the new PA lottery commercial *cringes*) and Sykora's hair at then end cracked me up. I love him in the "I just got shocked" look - too cute.
• Why is it that Crosby looks like he's going through child birth in every on ice picture of him?
• That was a bad mental image.

Steelhounds News:

• To my absolute, amazing, GREAT luck the African Penguin appearance this weekend at the Chevy Centre was cancelled due to the weather. For my never ending love of penguins I have another chance to see it.
• Already knowing that the Hounds are great guys they prove themselves again by serving meals this Wednesday at the Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley. Head Coach Kevin Kaminski will also join part this 19th.
• Wednesdays game against the Texas Brahmas was a 4-2 win for the Hounds.
• They fell 4-3 against them on Friday, but repaid themselves with an exciting 5-2 win on Saturday.

Random Hockey Point Out Of The Week

A weekly spot to express my inner thoughts and to point out random things that me and a friend notice at 5 in the morning...

Look-A-Like of the Week

Martin Brodeur and the Charmin Bear. "Cha Cha Cha!!"